2020 Subaru Ascent Brakes Problems

I am reporting a repeat safety concern involving a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The vehicle was involved in two separate collisions after failing to decelerate as expected following normal brake pedal application. The first incident occurred on January 26, 2026. While approaching a traffic signal, I applied the brakes under normal driving conditions. The vehicle did not slow as expected and struck the rear of another vehicle. Property damage occurred, but no injuries were reported. The second incident occurred on May 5, 2026. While approaching a stop sign at approximately 35 mph, I again applied the brakes under normal driving conditions. The vehicle did not decelerate as expected and entered the intersection, colliding with a vehicle traveling perpendicular to my direction of travel. Both vehicles were towed. No injuries were reported. During both incidents, there were no forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking interventions, or other alerts observed prior to impact. Following the second collision, the vehicle was inspected by an independent technician. Brake components inspected were found to be within serviceable condition and no evidence of neglect or improper maintenance was noted. During inspection, abnormal brake pedal behavior was observed, including continued downward pedal travel while steady pressure was applied. The technician documented that the reported condition was not consistent with normal braking performance and stated that an intermittent hydraulic and/or brake assist related issue could not be ruled out. The vehicle has been regularly maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. Due to the repeat nature of the condition, the lack of warning or intervention from safety systems, and the occurrence of two collisions despite normal brake application, I believe this condition represents a significant safety risk. The vehicle has since been declared a total loss and may be available for further inspection.

NHTSA ID

11740848

Incident

May 5, 2026

In December 2025, I had brake replacement, tire service, and wheel alignment performed at Monro Auto Service located at [XXX] child were traveling on the highway during a winter storm when the brakes began making a loud banging noise. My wife was unable to immediately locate a service location and was forced to continue driving for an extended period in winter storm conditions while in fear for her safety and that of our child. When she was finally able to reach a second Monro location between [XXX] and [XXX] , a technician discovered that one brake caliper bolt was missing entirely and a second was dangerously loose. The vehicle had been driven at highway speeds in a winter storm with an improperly and incompletely assembled brake system for an extended distance before help was found. The second Monro location secured the caliper bolt and confirmed the vehicle safe to continue. The original Fairport location was contacted and their manager acknowledged the issue but has failed to provide any meaningful resolution after nearly four months. In a formal BBB complaint response, Monro Inc. confirmed that the caliper bolt had not been properly secured and acknowledged filing an insurance claim for resulting rim damage — an implicit admission of negligence. I am filing this complaint because an improperly assembled brake system — specifically a missing caliper bolt — represents a serious and potentially fatal safety hazard. If this is a pattern of negligence at Monro locations, other consumers may be at risk. BBB Complaint Case #XXX is on file documenting Monro's formal response and admission. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11735368

Incident

Feb 20, 2026

The emergency brake occasionally comes on for no apparent reason. It has happened multiple times before but, never while driving until today. The button appeared to be stuck when I went to disengage it as well which made no sense. There was nothing in the way for it to get stuck. Upon further research in the Subaru forums it appears ours is not the only one to have experienced this. This leads me to believe there may be an unknown issue.

NHTSA ID

11611705

Incident

Aug 29, 2024

Transmission failure, chugging while driving on the road then slowed down in middle of the intersection, won’t accelerate which is a unsafe situation. It says “check engine”, “break, “eyesight disabled”, “at oil temp” and “transmission”. The speed was stuck to 20mph and engine eas loud. Smelled like something was burning too

NHTSA ID

11608386

Incident

Aug 13, 2024

I have encountered a series of persistent issues with the vehicle since its initial purchase, indicating fundamental deficiencies that warrant thorough consideration and resolution. Commencing with brake malfunctions at an exceptionally low mileage threshold, the recurrent necessity for brake replacements, despite being facilitated by the dealership on four separate occasions, underscores a notable deficiency in the vehicle's manufacturing or assembly process. Furthermore, the manufacturer's offer of $10,000 in exchange for signing a waiver relinquishing my right to file a claim is indicative of their acknowledgment of the vehicle's inherent flaws. Subsequent to this agreement, additional complications have arisen, including persistent window malfunctioning, electrical faults, exhaust system irregularities, and most notably, transmission failures, with repeated complaints culminating in a catastrophic breakdown witnessed by the dealership's service team. In light of these recurring issues, the manufacturer's proposition to repurchase the vehicle while crediting back the $10,000 initially offered and prorating mileage solely from the transmission repair fails to address the cumulative impact of the vehicle's deficiencies. It is inequitable to discount the mileage accrued during the earlier brake-related concerns, especially considering the ongoing nature of the vehicle's mechanical shortcomings. Arguably, the rescinding of the $10,000 offer necessitates a reevaluation of the waiver's validity, as its premise was contingent upon mitigating specific concerns, which have regrettably persisted. Moreover, the manufacturer's refusal to accommodate a reasonable request for mileage adjustment from the onset of the brake-related issues undermines the principles of fairness and consumer protection. Given the manufacturer's reluctance to engage in arbitration and their apparent disregard for addressing the comprehensive history of issues encountered.

NHTSA ID

11573981

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

The car has issues with rapidly deteriorating brakes. The brakes have been replaced twice and I feel they are bad again. This puts myself, anyone in my car, and any car around me at risk. The dealer is aware of the issue. Car was last inspected with the same concerns in mid-April to which the dealership responded the brakes are "like new". No one else has inspected the vehicle including the police or insurance representative. There was no warning lights related to the issue. I could just feel the brakes grinding. They were first replaced one year after purchasing the vehicle on 4/28/21. They were replaced again on 6/23/22. They feel like they are grinding again.

NHTSA ID

11521145

Incident

Apr 28, 2021

The braking system on the vehicle does not operate as expected on the vehicle. As a result a vehicle that only has 40k miles on a daily driver, is on its 3 set of rotors, 2nd set of brake pads( i declined having them changed at the 40k service) and 2nd set of tires. The brakes have not functioned comparably to any other vehicle that I have driven. They grind and the vehicle shakes when stopping. The issue grows worse with the increase in speed. I spoke with the service manager at the dealership and he informed me that Subaru is aware of the issue and it is common for this vehicle. The service manager stated that the rotors and calipers for the vehicle are undersized for the curb weight and it is an ongoing issue with the vehicles. I have spent thousand on maintenance on a vehicle that is 2 years old, an unreasonable amount. On the service managers recommendation I reached out to Subaru about the issue and was given a $600.00 coupon and told there is nothing else they can do and my issue was reviewed at the "highest levels". As I drive the vehicle now, I feel that the braking system is inadequate and the vehicle does not handle in a safe manner. According to Subaru, my only recourse is to spent thousands of dollars each year I own the vehicle at their dealership changing brakes and rotors with every oil change. Unacceptable.

NHTSA ID

11519244

Incident

Mar 13, 2020

The brakes are insufficient for the weight of the vehicle. This has been recognized by the Dealer who sold the vehicle. Rotors warp quickly. Stopping power of the system is insufficient.

NHTSA ID

11516893

Incident

Apr 2, 2021

At around 18,000 miles when applying the brakes, the vehicle would shake and vibrate. By 20,000 miles the vibration was excessive affecting the ability to steer straight when braking. The dealer told me that they were aware of the issue with this year/model. Diagnosis, warped rotors. Dealer resurfaced rotors and replaced pads under warranty. Vehicle performed fine for a while. At around 36000 miles had the same issue, this time dealer indicated that there was a "fix to the issue", new rotors and pads were installed again covered by warranty. Vehicle performed fine for a while. At around 49,000 miles, the same braking issue, dealer replaced rotors and brakes, this time NO WARRANTY, $610 out of pocket to replace brakes for a know design defect.

NHTSA ID

11497538

Incident

Jul 9, 2021

The car's braking system has a severe shudder at times, as well as a loud noise, and seems hesitant with stopping abilities. The dealership confirmed the issues, turned the rotors within the first year of ownership. Problem did not improve. The front brakes and rotors were replaced at 24000 miles. Within a couple months problem was occurring again. Dealership said they couldn't duplicate the issues. Had it back in again at 50000 miles (3 years old) and said they need replaced again on front, and now the rear as well.

NHTSA ID

11484783

Incident

Sep 1, 2020

Bought in December 2021 had dealership fix breaks before bought then again after 3000 miles then again after 5 000 miles. Brakes still shudder and emit loud noises. Have only had 6 months and breaks are bad again. Car shakes with acceleration and hesitates to accelerate .

NHTSA ID

11470006

Incident

Dec 10, 2021

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle was shaking and the transmission was slipping. There was an abnormal squeaking noise detected from the brakes. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the brakes were replaced but, however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the other failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11467755

Incident

Jan 1, 2021

I’m very disappointed in the terms of the Subaru recall. Instead of just replacing the faulty transmission, they will only fix CVTs w/ evidence of problems. I reported transmission issues at my last service and was told to wait for the recall as they would charge me $175 if they couldn’t replicate the problem. So now I have to drive until at least May (probably longer with all the other recalled cars seeking appts) w/a faulty transmission that could cause an accident, while they figure out a remedy? Plus my 2020 Ascent will be out of warranty soon (6000 miles). So I’m stuck with paying to replace the trans, if these problems show up later? I’ve had so many problems w/ this car incl squealing brakes (my car was in the shop for a total of more than 4 weeks before they figured out how to fix this) and a hood that came close to Detaching at highway speed — I had to bring the NTHSA bulletins to the dealer to get them to admit these both were known problems that could be fixed. Please insist that Subaru do the right thing by just replacing the transmission NOW rather than waiting till May to figure out a remedy and exposing the owners of this problem-plagued car to further needless risk.

NHTSA ID

11452400

Incident

Feb 16, 2022

Sudden unwanted rapid acceleration toward a building from parking lot causing head on collision: - Manual brakes failed - Automatic brakes did not engage - Airbags did NOT deploy after hitting an immovable object head on at least twice - Driver seatbelt did not lock - Starlink was not activated / notified - No collision warning was sounded (moot) Both driver and front passenger were severely injured and taken by ambulance to ER.

NHTSA ID

11443234

Incident

Nov 20, 2021

16000 miles. Front brakes vibrate hard when you press the brake. The whole front of the car vibrates it feels the same when the ABS system vibrates. Really scary sound and vibration.

NHTSA ID

11429416

Incident

Aug 15, 2021

When applying brakes to 2020 Subaru Ascent limited (10,325 miles) the car shudders. Being an aircraft mechanic for over 45 years I knew the brake rotors were warped. I Took car to Subaru of Kennesaw GA. 7-13-2021. They opened work order SuCS159697. They resurfaced the rotors on front brakes and installed new pads. My safety concern is if brake rotor originally installed are warping and now you are removing the width of the rotor making it thinner and more likely to heat and warp sooner. When i questioned the maintenance technican about this concern he stated this was Subaru policy to resurface. Extreme heat to brakes could cause brake failure.

NHTSA ID

11424774

Incident

Jul 13, 2021

I bought this car brand new from Subaru dealer in Sterling VA. Starting form first week we start having issues with certain parts. (steering, line assist, unexpected breaking, shaky/wobbly brakes, raw fuel smell in the cabin and around the car.) I took the car may times to dealer to get it serviced however every time I was sent back as they couldn't replicate the issue. In one instance, they found some errors on the front brakes and changed it. After that car still having issues with breaking noise and also shakiness when breaking during high speeds. One of my biggest concern is the raw fuel smell coming into the cabin during idle or low speeds. I have to use the internal air circulation to avoid to bring raw smell from engine to cabin. I also noticed raw smell is also noticeable if you park. front of the car, front passenger and driver sides also have that raw fuel smell. Dealer couldn't replicate the smell however I have some of my friends and family members noticed it without having expert knowledge on the issue. I am thinking, Subaru ascents turbo system might be causing the fuel smell. Either its dangerous for fumes in the cabin and/or it is fire hazard eventually. I also think break problems are due to wrong sizing of the break parts for the size of the car. You can easily feel breaks are having difficulty stopping car when going down hill over 50 miles hr... It starts wobbling. Per master tech in my Subaru dealer, this is normal Subaru Ascent behavior and there is nothing wrong. I don't believe that. Attaching all the documentation I have.

NHTSA ID

11418508

Incident

Apr 13, 2021

FRONT ROTORS AND FRONT BRAKE PADS HEAT UP CAUSING ROTORS TO WARP CAUSING A PULSING AND LOAD NOISE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED ,VEHICLE HARD TO STOP.

NHTSA ID

11405833

Incident

Jan 1, 2021

Mileage

6,000 mi

THE VEHICLE HAS 19,000 MILES AND ABOUT 1 WEEK AGO THE BRAKES STARTED MAKING AN ABNORMAL NOISE ALMOST LIKE GRINDING. THE CAR ALSO WOULD VIBRATE AND YOU COULD FEEL IT ON THE STEERING WHEEL. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND TURNS OUT THE BRAKE ROTORS ARE WARPED. THEIR SOLUTION IS TO RESURFACE THE ROTORS AND ALSO RESURFACE THE BRAKE PADS. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS THIS REPAIR DOES NOT SEEM TO BE PROPER DUE THEY HAVE NOT FOUND THE ROOT CAUSE FOR BRAKE ROTOR WARPING. THERE IS ALSO A SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN ON BRAKE ISSUES. HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2020/MC-10179409-0001.PDF. MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. SUBARU PREFERS TO JUST RESURFACE THE BRAKE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS AS THIS IS THE LOWEST COST REPAIR FOR THEM, THOUGH THE CAR IS STILL UNDER FULL BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY.

NHTSA ID

11403937

Incident

Mar 8, 2021

Mileage

19,000 mi

BRAKE PADS NOT REPLACED WHILE AT DEALERSHIP FOR NON-UNIFORM BRAKE ROTORS. I BELIEVE NOT REPLACING THE BRAKE PADS AT THE TIME OF RESURFACING THE BRAKE ROTORS WILL RESULT IN THE BRAKE ROTORS BECOMING NON-UNIFORM AGAIN. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN FROM SUBARU STATING AN BRAKE PAD DESIGN UPDATE, BUT WAS NOT OFFERED IT BECAUSE THE DEALER DOES NOT BELIEVE THE NON-UNIFORM ROTOR IS CAUSED BY THE OBSOLETE BRAKE PAD DESIGN. VEHICLE HAS AROUND 8,000 MILES AND VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN BRAKING FROM HIGHWAY SPEEDS PROMPTED SERVICE CALL.

NHTSA ID

11403446

Incident

Mar 17, 2021

Mileage

8,000 mi

BATTERY DEAD 7 TIMES (BEGINNING FALL OF 2020) OR DRAINED TOO LOW TO PROPERLY USE VEHICLE CAUSING ALL DOORS TO LOCK (ISSUE WHEN STRANDED IN NON-POPULATED AREA WITH CHILD IN CAR) OR HATCH UNABLE TO CLOSE. ALL ITEMS IN VEHICLE ARE OFF. APPEARS TO BE ELECTRICAL IN NATURE AND POSSIBLY RELATED TO IN GOING SUBARU POWER-GATE HATCH ISSUES. HAVE ALSO HAD HATCH OPEN ON OWN STATIONARY & LOW SPEED. OFTEN LEFT STRANDED. HARD PULSATING AND GRIND ON BRAKES AT LOW TO MODERATE SPEED CAUSING CAR TO PULL AND FEEL LIKE NOT GOING TO STOP IN MOTION ON CURVED ROAD, HIGHWAY, CITY STREET. STARTED WITHIN YEAR (AUG 2020) OF OWNING AFTER 1ST SERVICE AT DEALER FOR ROUTINE OIL CHANGE. DEALER SAYS NOTHING WRONG AT ALL. SUBARU REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE ISSUES EVEN THOUGH OTHER OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING SAME. TOLD BY SUBARU LAME EXCUSES LIKE NOT DRIVING ENOUGH, SHUT EVERYTHING OFF, DO NOT USE ELECTRONICS SO MUCH, ETC. CAR JUMPED 7 TIMES SO FAR. TOOK TO DEALER 3 TIMES (9/29 BRAKES, 12/9/20 & 1/2/21 FOR BATTERY AND BRAKES) SO FAR AND DEALER EVEN HAD TO CHARGE BATTERY (1/21)! UNKNOWN DRAIN FROM SOMEWHERE. EVERY TIME HAPPENS HAVE TO HAVE TAIL GATE REPROGRAMMED OR NOT ABLE TO OPEN.

NHTSA ID

11397519

Incident

Aug 15, 2019

Mileage

10,000 mi

RIGHT FRONT ROTOR WARPED DEALER CHANGED AT 6,000 MILES AND ROTOR IS WARPED AGAIN KEEPS HAPPENING (LIBERTY SUBARU EMERSON NJ) DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE THE ROTORS, FRONT OF VEHICLE SHAKES WHEN APPLYING BRAKES ,

NHTSA ID

11390383

Incident

Jan 27, 2021

V1.THE BATTERY DIED WITHIN 6 MONTHS 4 TIMES :FIRST TIME AUG. 21. 2020 , THAN DEC. 03.2021 , DEC 24.2021 AND JAN.04.2021 2.THE STEREO SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY SOUND CUTTING OFF FREQUENTLY. 3.BREAK PROBLEM. BEFORE 6 MONTHS THE BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED AND ARE STILL MAKING GRINDING UNUSUAL NOISE. EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE DEALER SERVICE NO IMPROVEMENT. ACTUAL BREAK ACTION NOT CONSISTENT AND NOT RELIABLE SAVE. 4.THE AC SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY - KICKS IN EVEN WHEN IN HEATING MODE. IN USING THE REMOTE START THE AC KICKS IN IMMEDIATELY AND CHANGING THE SETTINGS WILL NOT HELP. 5.THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE WARNING LIGHTS COMING ON WHEN THERE IS NO PROBLEM? INSTEAD OF BEING A SAFETY FEATURE IT IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM FEATURE. BECAUSE IT IS NOT RELIABLE MAKES SAFE DRIVING VERY DIFFICULT ? AND WE HAD CONSIDERED THIS SYSTEM AS A PLUS WHEN DECIDING ON SUBARU ASCENT. 6.PROBLEMS WITH TRUNK OPENING ? SOMETIMES WILL NOT WORK WITH KEY OR FROM THE INSIDE ? HAS TO BE OPENED MANUALLY. 7.OIL LEVEL SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. 8.THE VIN NUMBER WAS LISTED TO HAVE A RECALL ? BUT WHEN CHECKING IT OUT IT SHOWED 0 RECALLS. WE CONSIDER THIS VERY STRANGE. 9.AFTER EACH VISIT TO THE DEALER, WE ARE TOLD THAT EVERYTHING IS FINE ? BUT ONE OR TWO DAYS LATER THE SAME PROBLEMS SHOW UP AGAIN. 10.BLUETOOTH SYSTEM KEEPS DELETING PHONES. 11.RPM GAUGE NOT FUNCTIONING. 12.MPG INDICATION NEVER CHANGES SHOWS ALWAYS SAME VALUE ? EVEN UNDER COMPLETELY DIFFERENT DRIVING CONDITIONS. I AM FILING THIS CLAIM FOR MAY DAUGHTER [XXX] BECAUSE I BOUGHT THE CAR AT THE TIME. ALSO THE PROBLEMS ARE ONGOING SINCE THE DATE LISTED BELOW INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID

11388299

Incident

Jun 1, 2020

VEHICLE HAS 6700 MILES. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN TO DEALER 2X ALREADY FOR BRAKE ISSUES. FRONT BRAKES STARTED MAKING VIBRATION, GRINDING AND VIBRATION ISSUES. ISSUE EXACERBATED WHILE GOING DOWNHILL OR LIGHTLY BEING ON THE BRAKES. THEY'VE REPLACED BRAKE ROTORS, PADS AND CALIPERS THE FIRST TIME. SECOND TIME THEY REPLACED PADS AND ROTORS. 250 MILES LATER GOING DOWN HILL THE BRAKES ARE VIBRATING AND MAKING A GROWLING NOISE

NHTSA ID

11387212

Incident

Jan 8, 2021

Mileage

3,500 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU ASCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING A COUNTRYWIDE ROAD TRIP AT 70 MPH THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND SHIMMIED WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKE GOING DOWNHILL ON A STEEP GRADE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER GROOVE SUBARU (5300 S. BROADWAY, ENGLEWOOD, CO 80113, (720) 279-9409). THE TIRES WERE ROTATED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO SEEK A COMPREHENSIVE DIAGNOSTIC TEST BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHEN HE RETURNED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTHORIZED DEALER NEAR HIS RESIDENCE TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,500.

NHTSA ID

11384657

Incident

Oct 12, 2020

Mileage

9,500 mi